Opinion
Letters

Insulated from reality

I commend the writer on his letter. It reflects how effectively we, as a Western culture, have insulated ourselves from the atrocities committed in other areas of our world. We surround ourselves with tidbits of inane gossip and pleasantries, while ignoring the reality of life for many much less fortunate. Significant news is given to us as incomplete one-line messages on our IPads or TV. And a great amount of time is spent delivering information that will be of no consequence to most of us. All the while, we surround ourselves with movies and TV shows depicting violence as the norm. One may be led to believe that our culture has lost its ability to digest significant events and feel their impact. This leaves us with little empathy to react with outrage and question how we might be able to change the situation. If we allow ourselves to feel empathy perhaps it might move us to act for peace. This may involve writing a letter to our government leaders demanding they protest this injustice or making a donation that would provide resources to a needy country.

Making one small act to promote peace and well-being for those who are desperately in need, may make us aware of the task to which God has called us all.

Harriett Draaistra

Mount Pleasant

No to legalizing marijuana

I think that marijuana should not be made legal for recreational use because there is no good way to judge impairment caused by the drug. The Denver Post says on the matter: "The evolving science of testing for marijuana, and the lack of consensus over how to measure impairment creates challenges for lawmakers, police and prosecutors, not to mention users." It goes on to say how the number of fatal car crashes from marijuana is rising. Legalizing marijuana will make our communities more dangerous for everyone.